Changes

The martial artist assessment usually took a few days to produce results.

After the rules were changed this time, it became much faster.

By the time Su Bei walked out of the office, dusk had already settled, dotted with stars. His mood, however, was completely different.

He felt a sense of exhilaration, like a bird soaring in the boundless sky or a fish leaping in the vast ocean.

The martial artist assessment was over.

Those who could advance had basically advanced. Those who couldn't, and had slightly poorer conditions, would wait for the next assessment, while those with better conditions would simply buy an Ascension Secret Treasure and break through on their own.

Once registered, they would also be considered official martial artists.

To put it plainly, the martial artist assessment was still the path to advancement for ordinary families.

Therefore, even though Su Bei had achieved first place this time, while he felt exhilarated, he wasn't arrogant. He knew many geniuses had already advanced on their own.

Compared to those geniuses who might have broken through to become martial artists at fifteen or sixteen, he still lacked some foundation and time.

He opened his phone and saw that Zhang Feiyu had called him multiple times in rapid succession.

He called back.

As soon as the call connected, Zhang Feiyu's excited voice rang in his ear, "Brother Bei! You're first?! You're first?!"

"Awesome—awesome—!"

If someone didn't know, they'd think Zhang Feiyu was the one who got first place.

Su Bei asked curiously, "What place did you get?"

"I got 178th. I picked up a thing on a tree branch and came out," Zhang Feiyu said with a chuckle. "So lucky."

Su Bei: Actually, it wasn't that lucky.

No wonder he hadn't found any trace of him along the way.

He ended up bringing number 18 out with him as well.

Otherwise, he would have been eighteenth. But it seemed like it didn't matter much to Zhang Feiyu. For martial arts school disciples, these were just formalities.

"Oh right, Brother Bei, did you say something to Sun Zicheng today?"

Zhang Feiyu asked with some confusion, "He specifically came to find me today and said he wouldn't target me anymore, but he couldn't control others..."

Su Bei: ???

What was going on?

Had he really lost all motivation?

"...I reasoned with him," Su Bei replied concisely.

Zhang Feiyu was silent for a moment on the other end. "Physically?"

"Physiologically."

After a few more words, Su Bei hung up. His parents had also called quite a few times, but since he was heading home soon, he didn't call them back.

The results of the martial artist assessment were usually released the day after it concluded. This matter garnered significant attention, much like a ladder to heaven. Especially for the local residents, it brought a sense of shared pride.

"Brother Liu, you really don't need to follow me."

"No, it's an order."

Looking at Liu Shan, who was following him not far behind, Su Bei felt truly helpless.

In Li Xiongshan's words, Su Bei was now someone with a mission, and his safety had to be ensured. Liu Shan was instructed to follow Su Bei for these few days and also help stabilize his rear.

Liu Shan was also a stubborn person. After much persuasion from Su Bei, he finally agreed to call if anything happened and wouldn't follow him all day, considering it a break for himself.

Su Bei suspected Li Xiongshan had this intention too. He wasn't planning to leave the city for the next week, so what danger could there be?

However, Liu Shan also said he had to escort Su Bei home. He had come with a mission to explain the situation to Su Bei's family on behalf of the Military Department, which was a necessary procedure.

—It was just a bit special for Su Bei, as a third-tier Qi and Blood Gate martial artist would be explaining it, which was a first for Tianhu City.

To put it mildly, a third-tier martial artist could definitely be considered a significant figure in a place like Tianhu City. Currently, he was just a bodyguard for Li Xiongshan. Once he was assigned elsewhere, with his lieutenant rank, it would be perfectly normal for him to hold a company-level position.

The two walked and chatted.

Perhaps due to living two lives, Su Bei didn't have many common topics with people his own age. Instead, he got along very well with Liu Shan, a man in his thirties.

Liu Shan was outwardly cold but warm-hearted and very sharp-minded, far from the silent appearance he projected.

He even asked Su Bei for advice on boxing techniques. They say the accomplished are teachers, but how many can truly learn without shame?

Su Bei was also generous. Although he hadn't poured his entire heart into his boxing techniques, the panel rewards had given him over a decade of experience, making summarization and consolidation incredibly simple.

When Su Bei arrived home, he saw three people he hadn't expected.

It was his high school homeroom teacher, Yue Wenjuan, and the school principal, Zhou Fenggang. The third person was a somewhat unfamiliar middle-aged man who looked young for his age, wore thin-rimmed glasses, and had a refined and cultured demeanor.

Although the man appeared cultured, he couldn't quite conceal his martial artist aura, as if he had only recently broken through.

His cultivation was not yet solid.

He glanced at his parents. As expected, the pressure from his aura still had some effect. Seeing Su Bei return, they visibly relaxed, as if a great weight had been lifted.

Although they seemed a little uncomfortable, the conversation was filled with smiles throughout.

Speaking of the other two, Su Bei didn't dislike them. Yue Wenjuan had taken good care of him during his three years at school. She was responsible and diligent. When he practiced martial arts daily, she would sometimes give him extra tutoring after classes.

As for Zhou Fenggang, he was somewhat legendary. He had been a sports teacher at the school until he broke through to the Martial Artist realm. With the help of a benefactor, his career had progressed smoothly, eventually leading him to the position of principal of the First High School.

"Teacher Yue, Principal Zhou, why have you come?"

Although Su Bei asked this, he understood the reason for their visit. He had to admit that the school was incredibly well-informed.

"Su Bei is back."

Yue Wenjuan and Zhou Fenggang both quickly stood up to greet him.

The power dynamic had shifted. Those who were well-informed already knew the results of the martial arts evaluation. Even they dared not act presumptuously in front of Su Bei now.

Yue Wenjuan, however, was still a little dazed. She hadn't expected that a student she had once favored would achieve such results in just one month, making it impossible for her to maintain a calm demeanor.

"Of course, we're here to see our school's great contributor!"

Zhou Fenggang said with a smile, introducing the person next to him: "This is Director Feng from our Tianhu City Education Bureau. He rushed here with us as soon as he got the news, insisting on congratulating you in person!"

Su Bei nodded, indicating he understood the situation.

"Hello, Su Bei. It's a pleasure to meet you."

Feng Wancheng smiled politely, still maintaining some of his official dignity, and extended his hand to shake Su Bei's. "Truly a hero emerging from youth. It's the first time Tianhu City has had a graduating high school student directly become a Martial Artist, especially one who took first place!"

"When I received this news, I was truly unable to calm down for a long time. This is not just your success, but the success of our entire Tianhu City education system!"

Su Bei: "?"

Su Bei suddenly understood why his parents seemed a bit reserved. It turned out someone was spouting official platitudes.

"You flatter me..."

"This is by no means flattery. After a thorough investigation, I've found that your success is definitely not accidental. You have a good teacher, a good principal, and a good family!"

Feng Wancheng continued to encourage him, "You must remain humble and not become complacent, and strive for even greater achievements!"

"The First High School is proud of you, and the Education Bureau is proud of you too!"

Zhou Fenggang and Yue Wenjuan felt a surge of emotion.

Su Bei looked around. He wondered if there were any cameras in front of him!

Feng Wancheng was quite well-informed. He had learned from a friend that the first place winner was a student who had just graduated from high school. With his keen intuition, he immediately called Zhou Fenggang. Coincidentally, Su Bei had also been quite a notable figure at the school. After learning about Su Bei's family situation, he had come right away.

The first reason was to offer congratulations, the second was to build a good relationship, and the third, naturally, was to solidify this achievement.

After all, it was obvious to anyone that a Martial Artist under the age of twenty had a bright future ahead of them.

It was true that good news brought great spirits. The day before yesterday, he had just broken through to the second-tier Martial Artist realm, and today, Su Bei's achievement had arrived.

In his eyes, Su Bei was no longer just a person; he was a walking merit, a part of his work performance!

"Director Feng, you're too kind. I was just lucky," Su Bei said with his usual modesty, adding lightly, "It was sheer luck that I got first place. I apologize for troubling you to make this trip."

"Su Bei, that's not a very humble statement," Feng Wancheng said, patting Su Bei on the shoulder with a smile. "What trouble is this? You are the pride of our entire Tianhu City education system!"

Su Bei remained silent. In his previous life, he would have been extremely nervous and flattered. Even if it wasn't his previous life, he would have felt that way just a month ago.

But with different strength came different perspectives. He truly didn't know how to handle such conversations.

He could only respond with a smile, hoping that the three of them would leave soon after seeing him, even if it meant only Teacher Yue remained.

"Xiao Zhou, take a photo of me and Su Bei." After saying that, Feng Wancheng turned to Su Bei. "Su Bei, this is for publicity purposes. You don't mind, do you?"

"I apologize, Director Feng, but there are regulations from the Military Department, so this really isn't possible."

Su Bei said apologetically.

After deciding to participate in the Shattered Battlefield mission, all his information would be encrypted, accessible only to certain internal personnel.

For publicity purposes like this, to avoid any complications, it was currently not allowed.

Feng Wancheng clearly hadn't expected Su Bei to refuse. He was taken aback, and the smiling expression he had prepared on his face became somewhat stiff.

How could he not know about such regulations from the Military Department?

Could it be that he was joining some secret unit?

However, he still maintained a smile, though his tone had lost its previous warmth. "It's no trouble, no trouble. If there are regulations, we won't take the photo. It's not a big deal."

Zhou Fenggang, being perceptive, tried to smooth things over. "Xiao Bei, just take one photo with Director Feng. It's for your publicity, isn't it? We wouldn't harm you, would we?"

He said jokingly, "Director Feng came all the way here late at night. Won't you give him at least this much face?"

Su Bei sighed. "Principal Zhou, it's not that I don't want to take the photo, but we genuinely have regulations."

"It's fine, it's fine," Feng Wancheng waved his hand and said with a smile, "If Su Bei doesn't want to take the photo, then so be it. We shouldn't force him."

Even though he had come with the intention of building a good relationship, being rejected twice by a high school student made him feel a bit embarrassed.

Even he couldn't help but feel a bit annoyed.

Setting aside his identity, I, a second-tier Martial Artist, personally came to your home to offer congratulations, and you won't even let me take a single photo?

Zhou Fenggang immediately became anxious. This was showing disrespect to a superior!

How could he possibly advance if this was the case?

"Xiao Bei, it's just taking a photo, it's not that serious, is it?" Zhou Fenggang continued, "Don't be so individualistic; it'll be good for you."

Su Bei almost laughed in exasperation.

Was he the only one speaking Chinese? Did they not understand him at all?

He glanced at his parents, who were desperately signaling him, and Su Bei suppressed his annoyance.

"Fine, we can take a photo, but it absolutely cannot be leaked."

He said, a little helplessly, "It's a matter of discipline."

Li Xiongshan had specifically mentioned this before. To put it bluntly, the missions in the Shattered Battlefield were of great importance. Even if nothing happened after a few months, at this particular juncture, any potential slip-ups that could cause trouble were not allowed.

"Xiao Zhou, if I say no photos, then no photos!"

Feng Wancheng said to Zhou Fenggang, "What kind of behavior is this!"

It wasn't a big deal to begin with; a photo was just icing on the cake. It was fine to have one, and it was fine not to.

Zhou Fenggang, who came from a sports teacher background, might be good at reading people, but his words were truly offensive.

He certainly wasn't here to offend anyone.

With the conversation reaching this point, there was no way to continue. The few of them simply sat on the sofa and chatted, though the atmosphere was clearly not as warm as before.

However, Su Bei didn't really mind. He chatted with Teacher Yue. Although it hadn't been long since graduation, he felt as if a long time had passed. Even looking at Teacher Yue gave him a sense of familiarity, as if he hadn't seen her in ages.

Seeing Mother Su about to close the door, Su Bei spoke up.

"Mom, don't close the door yet. There's still someone else coming."

"Someone else?"

Mother Su was taken aback. There were already quite a few people at their home today. Most of their relatives were back in their hometown, and their house was small, so they rarely invited guests over.

Normally, it was just their family of four.

"It's a brother from the Military Department. He's coming over tonight to explain some things to the family," Su Bei explained. "I've joined the Military Department today, and this is part of the team's process."

"You joined the Military Department?" Mother Su was a bit slow to react, her eyes showing a mix of joy and worry.

She was happy about the high social status of the Military Department, but worried because she had heard that being a soldier was very dangerous.

However, they also knew that they couldn't and didn't have the ability to make decisions on these matters. Su Bei had always made them worry less since he was young, and now that he had grown up, they didn't want to interfere too much with his choices.

But upon hearing that someone from the Military Department was coming soon, she became flustered.

"If someone from the military is coming, why didn't you say something earlier, child?" Mother Su immediately became restless. The Education Bureau alone had made them anxious and uncertain; the Military Department, where people risked their lives, had an even more transcendent status. "We don't have anything to entertain them with. Should I have your dad go out and buy something?"

Hearing this, Father Su got up to leave. He had actually been feeling restless for a while.

Director Feng had been dragging him to classes, and he couldn't stand it any longer.

"No, no need."

Su Bei quickly waved his hands. "We still have guests here. What would that look like? Just prepare some tea."

They were all like family now, and they would be working under Li Xiongshan in the future. There was no need to be so distant.

"Someone from the Military Department is coming?"

Feng Wancheng's eyes lit up when he heard this. "Then I must get to know them. We have talent from the education system joining the military, so they should take good care of him."

Although people in the Military Department had high status, ultimately, their standing depended on their strength. He knew about this process of visiting families to communicate; it was nothing more than asking if the family had any difficulties that needed to be resolved and getting a general understanding of their living conditions.

Usually, it was the administrative staff of the Military Department who handled these matters, and most of them were Quasi-Martial Artists. First-tier Martial Artists were very rare.

This was also a good opportunity to teach Su Bei a lesson: just because he had joined the Military Department didn't mean he could disregard everyone else.

"Then thank you, Director Feng, for your concern. You're worrying about my child's affairs with us."

Hearing this, Father and Mother Su, despite not liking his way of speaking, couldn't help but express their thanks verbally.

Feng Wancheng accepted their thanks graciously and waved his hand. "It's only right. We in education can't let children be scared into not daring to take a photo."

Before his words had even finished, there was a knock at the door, and Liu Shan walked in.

He was laden with bags and packages, filled with fruits, cigarettes, and alcohol. He was even carrying a potted plant he had somehow bought.

"Brother Liu, so this is what you meant by having something to do?"

Su Bei greeted him with a mixture of amusement and exasperation. "We don't lack anything here. If I had known you were going to buy things, I would have insisted on helping you carry them."

"How can you visit without bringing anything?"

Liu Shan grinned. "Besides, these are for your parents, what does it have to do with you?"

Su Bei: "?? Are you trying to take advantage of me?"

Liu Shan shoved the items to Su Bei, saying, "What do you mean taking advantage? Uncle and nephew, we'll each take care of our own business."

As he spoke, he turned to the approaching Mother Su and Father Su, beaming as he called out, "Brother Su, Sister-in-law Luo, hello. I'm Liu Shan from the Military Department. I'm here on behalf of the department to visit Xiao Bei's home and get a feel for things."

"Are you two doing well?"

Honestly, just looking at this scene, one would never guess Liu Shan was a third-tier Martial Artist. He seemed more like an official from the neighborhood committee, and there was none of the silent, rigid impression Su Bei had from their first meeting.

He truly lived up to being someone Li Xiongshan kept by his side.

Perhaps he simply knew when to be silent and when to be smooth and adaptable.

Dealing with people was truly an art.

"We're doing very well," Father Su and Mother Su replied, their faces beaming. "Everything is fine at home too. The Military Department must be so busy, it's really kind of you to make this trip. Xiao Bei has been a lot of trouble for you."

"Xiao Bei, pour your Uncle Liu... Brother Liu some tea."

As soon as Su Bei finished putting the things away, Father Su started giving him orders.

"There are guests at home?"

Liu Shan finally noticed the three people sitting in the room, his brow furrowing almost imperceptibly. "It's so late, I thought I was the only one disturbing you."

Mother Su explained, "It's a few leaders from the Education Bureau."

Zhou Fenggang was about to stand up and introduce himself when he suddenly saw Feng Wancheng, who had been sitting as steady as a mountain, leap to his feet as if he'd been pricked by a needle.

Sweat even beaded on his forehead. "Lieutenant Liu, I truly didn't expect you to be the one visiting."

Liu Shan's frown deepened. "You know me?"

"I saw you from afar during an inspection once and never forgot," Feng Wancheng explained. He was indeed a thoughtful person, making an effort to learn about anyone notable in Tianhu City.

While Liu Shan was merely the squad leader of Li Xiongshan's guard unit, he had been with Li Xiongshan for nearly ten years. His formidable strength was a given, and he also held considerable prestige within the Military Department.

And Li Xiongshan himself was even more remarkable; all the guards within Tianhu City's jurisdiction were his soldiers!

What was Su Bei's background for Li Xiongshan's own guard squad leader to personally come calling?

A flood of scenes from the moment he entered the house flashed through his mind, and he could only hope he hadn't done anything to displease anyone.

"What brings you here?"

Liu Shan naturally paid no mind to Feng Wancheng's thoughts. He sat down casually on the sofa and asked directly.

Feng Wancheng didn't even dare to sit down, offering a fawning smile. "We heard that Su Bei achieved first place in the martial artist rankings, so we came to offer our congratulations. After all, he graduated from high school just a month ago, and he's become a new benchmark for our education system."

"Hmm," Liu Shan replied, his demeanor instantly shifting back to his military bearing. "How are you congratulating him? Did you come empty-handed?"

His observation skills were astonishing. Su Bei's home wasn't large, and with the guests still present, there was no etiquette that would allow the gifts to be put away beforehand.

I brought gifts, and you came to congratulate him empty-handed?

How insincere!

He was breaking out in a cold sweat.

Feng Wancheng was truly sweating profusely. He was usually the one receiving gifts, and getting a 200,000 reward was already quite good. He had never considered the need to bring anything himself!

"I was in a bit of a hurry when I came..."

"Alright, sit down," Liu Shan said, waving his hand dismissively. "Since you're here, we can all get a better understanding and resolve any issues together."

He was deliberately making a point. They had been here for a while, and the hosts' expressions were awkward, clearly indicating they hadn't yet grasped their position.

Feng Wancheng subtly shifted to the sofa where others were seated, not daring to sit on the single armchair again. His previous casual posture was replaced by a stiffly upright one.

Father Su and Mother Su observed all of this, surprised by the immense presence of this young man named Liu Shan. Although he hadn't spoken harshly, they could clearly feel his sharp, commanding aura.

"Brother Su, please sit too. I'll briefly explain the situation to you both."

Liu Shan began his explanation, "Xiao Bei performed exceptionally well today, and out of our eagerness to recruit talent, we've made special arrangements. We didn't inform you two beforehand."

"Xiao Bei has now officially joined the guard forces in the Tianhu regional military command. Our Commander also highly values him and intends to keep him by his side as a personal guard for a period."

"I am the squad leader of the guard unit, and I am now Xiao Bei's direct superior."

The couple's breathing became noticeably rapid. They didn't know the specifics, but in Tianhu City, very few people didn't know who the Commander was.

They had initially thought he was just joining the military ordinarily, but this was an unexpected surprise!

Even Feng Wancheng and the others sitting nearby felt their hearts skip a beat.

If ordinary people understood the significance, they understood it even more. Being a personal guard under the regional military commander right after enlisting was both protection and cultivation!

Su Bei was truly about to soar!

Mother Su hesitated slightly and asked, "Squad Leader Liu, what about Xiao Bei's university education..."

Liu Shan explained, "You don't need to worry about that at all. There are policies in place. The True Martial University that Xiao Bei is attending has its own military background, similar to our internal military academies."

"He'll go to school when it's time for school, and enlist when it's time to enlist. He definitely needs to go to university, it's just that he won't be staying in school like other students."

"Then we have no issues." Father Su and Mother Su exchanged a look, feeling much more at ease.

"Before we came, our commander gave us a strict order: treat young Bei's family matters as our own, to ensure he has a stable rear."

Seeing that both of them were honest people and wouldn't raise any objections, Liu Shan decided to speak up himself. "I see your house has been here for some time. It's about time we addressed your housing situation."

"How about this: you two prepare yourselves these next couple of days, and move directly into the Military Department's family housing. The living conditions will definitely be better than here, and it's also safer."

"Ah?"

Father Su and Mother Su were both startled by this. "This... this is too much trouble..."

In this day and age, once the words "family housing" were involved, nothing about it was ever bad.

And the Military Department's family housing was even more so. It was famous throughout Tianhu City, located in a central area with commercial districts, medical facilities, educational institutions, martial arts dojos, and more all around. The internal environment was excellent, and military personnel were even stationed there regularly. Any issues could be raised and resolved at any time, making it a stable rear!

It was truly a place where every inch of land was worth its weight in gold!

Those who could live there weren't just wealthy or influential; even being wealthy or influential didn't guarantee eligibility!

Even within the Military Department, not everyone was qualified to live there. One had to hold the rank of officer and possess a certain amount of military merit to be admitted.

By rights, Su Bei didn't qualify to live there yet.

However, from the moment he agreed to enter the Shattered Battlefield, he already qualified more than the vast majority of people.

"Don't worry about the qualifications. Su Bei is an exceptional case, so rest assured you can move in," Liu Shan's words were final, leaving no room for objection.

Although Father Su and Mother Su verbally refused, who could truly refuse in their hearts?

Even Feng Wancheng felt a bit envious this time.

Everyone knew how wealthy the Military Department was. He had only passed by that family housing from a distance, and it was truly built to the highest standards!

Tianhu City wasn't without other high-end residential areas. Some were even more luxuriously decorated than the Military Department's family housing.

But what of it?

Did they have military personnel stationed there? Were they called the safest place in all of Tianhu City?

Simply being able to move in was a symbol of status!

However, he also understood that this was all earned by the soldiers through their military merits, and he couldn't envy it. Although he was a Tier 2 Martial Artist, he had rarely gone out of the city to hunt beasts. He mostly hired other Martial Artists to help him, as long as the quantity was sufficient.

As for the Void Battlefield, he had spent a week there in his early years and, after coming out, had worked hard to climb the ranks.

This was because political achievements could offset time spent in the Void Battlefield.

It wasn't because of how terrifying it was inside, but rather because he simply couldn't adapt to it.

The reason he had come so quickly this time was that his time was almost up, and Su Bei was the guarantee for his achievements.

Therefore, he had to speak up quickly.

"It's like this, I heard Su Bei has a younger brother who is also studying in the junior high department of our First High School?"

Zhou Fenggang, picking up on the implication, replied, "That's right. I've also been paying attention to this child. Although his academic performance is average, his moral character is excellent, and he is good at uniting with his classmates. A while ago, when the rocket class was adjusted, I was planning to discuss with Mr. Su and his wife whether to transfer this child over."

"What are your thoughts on this?"

Father Su and Mother Su naturally nodded.

"Then make the adjustment as soon as possible. This age is a critical time, and we must not delay the child's growth," Feng Wancheng's words sealed the deal.

Father Su and Mother Su were overjoyed. They had approached many people about Su He's class transfer, but the results were unsatisfactory. They never expected that this matter would be settled in just a few words today.

"There's also the matter of work that I need to discuss with you two..."

"Regarding your physical health, let's arrange a full body check-up at the military hospital another day..."

"And I also need to tell you about the benefits for the families of our Military Department personnel..."

"We generally don't provide cars, but if you need one, our military factory also has a car company, and you can get a significant discount..."

"That's about it. If you have any problems later, feel free to let us know at any time. The logistics department will handle everything."

The string of changes left Father Su and Mother Su feeling dazed, as if they were living in a dream.

From their housing, food, transportation, and daily necessities, to their eating, drinking, and even their bodily functions, almost every detail was covered.

Towards the end, the parents even cast pleading glances at Su Bei several times.

They weren't foolish; they might not have eaten pork, but they had certainly seen pigs run.

Although Martial Artists had high social status and represented a new class, wasn't there always a period of capital accumulation? They were just being given everything upfront like this!

No matter how good the Military Department's treatment was, they had never seen it this good!

If their child wasn't their own flesh and blood, they might have thought Su Bei was some illegitimate son of a high-ranking military official!

The benefits were too overwhelming!

So overwhelming that they felt worried, thinking this might be their son's life-risking earnings.

Su Bei watched the scene with a smile.

He knew that this wasn't solely due to his Martial Artist status, but also because of the boost from the Shattered Battlefield.

Li Xiongshan had truly put in the effort to put his mind at ease.

But no matter what.

He accepted the favor.

The so-called path of cultivation, if not for the happiness of his family, would be meaningless even if he were invincible in the world.

The night deepened.

Everything was quietly growing.

Mother Su asked Su Bei, "Child, this is too much. Why am I feeling so uneasy?"

"Did you promise them something? If you really did, you should go and refuse them quickly. I don't want any of these things."

"How much did you promise them?"

"Not much, I just brought my talent over."

Su Bei smiled and comforted her, "Mom, this path of cultivation is still very long."

This is a transition chapter, so I won't drag out the pacing. No crazy author would write 8,000 words in a single chapter during the early stages of a new book. Please continue reading, friends, it's extremely, extremely, extremely important!